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Definitions

deadly

[ded-lee] / ˈdɛd li /
ADJECTIVE
causing end of life
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bloody carcinogenic cruel dangerous destructive fatal harmful lethal malignant mortal murderous noxious pernicious poisonous savage suicidal toxic violent virulent
WEAK
baleful baneful bloodthirsty cannibalistic death-dealing deathly deleterious destroying grim homicidal injurious internecine killing mortiferous pestiferous pestilent pestilential ruthless slaying unrelenting venomous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
benign calm gentle harmless healthy helpful kind life-giving nice nonpoisonous wholesome
WEAK
animating energizing healthful invigorating lively
ADJECTIVE
ghostly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ghastly
WEAK
ashen corpselike dead deadened deathful deathlike deathly pallid wan white
Antonyms
WEAK
animating energizing harmless healthful healthy invigorating lively wholesome

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But it is sharply satirical—not as funny as the early works of Evelyn Waugh, Aldous Huxley or the neglected Honor Tracy, but equally deadly in its critique of materialist society.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The trend continued into the 1990s, with the likes of Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling and John Smoltz deploying it with deadly effectiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Founded after the 1979 revolution that overthrew the Shah, it was then forged in the deadly misery of the eight-year war with Iraq.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Nepal's rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as prime minister on Friday after sweeping the first election since deadly anti-corruption protests toppled the government last year.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

But there was a deadly serious insight buried within the comedy.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.